Aston Villa, the renowned football club, has made a surprising decision to discard their recently adopted club crest after just one full season. This unexpected move comes after a consultation with supporters revealed that a fresh change was necessary. Let’s delve into the details of this emblematic alteration.
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The Short-Lived Circle Crest
In the second half of the previous season, Aston Villa unveiled a brand-new club crest, a circular design that replaced the iconic shield emblem. This change was made in response to a fan vote, reflecting the desire for a fresh identity.
A Swift Reversal
However, only six matches into the current Premier League season, Aston Villa has decided that the circle design isn’t delivering the desired impact. This has prompted the club to seek a new emblem, particularly with an eye on their upcoming 150th-anniversary celebration.
Reasoning Behind the Change
In an official statement released on a Tuesday afternoon, Aston Villa explained their rationale behind this swift reversal. They mentioned that the circle emblem, despite initial expectations, didn’t achieve the impact they had hoped for. The club aims to re-engage with its supporters to explore options for a permanent new-look crest, aligning with the milestone of their 150th anniversary.
A Fresh Start
Subsequent to the previous consultation process, which influenced the 2023/24 playing and training kits, the club assessed the impact of the change from various perspectives, including local, global, and commercial. Regrettably, it was concluded that the current crest fell short of expectations.
Moving Forward
Aston Villa is set to engage with supporters in the coming weeks to establish a permanent identity that can deliver the desired impact. Additionally, a separate process will create a special marque to commemorate the club’s 150th anniversary. Further details about this consultation process will be announced soon.
Villa Supporters’ Initial Backing
It’s worth noting that the existing design received strong support from Villa supporters during its creation, winning 77 percent of the votes. Nevertheless, the club has decided to retire this emblem at the end of the current season.
Continued Engagement
Aston Villa will continue discussions with supporters as they embark on the new consultation session, which is expected to involve shortlists and votes to determine the design that will honor the club’s rich history on its 150th anniversary.
Aston Villa’s decision to change their club crest after just one season highlights the importance of fan engagement and the enduring quest for a symbol that truly represents the club’s identity. As they look forward to their 150th anniversary, the anticipation for a fresh emblem grows among Villa’s dedicated supporters.
Aston Villa Players Raise Concerns Over Moisture-Prone Castore Shirts
In an unexpected turn of events, Aston Villa’s players have voiced their discontent with the current design of their home shirts, manufactured by the Manchester-based sportswear brand Castore. They claim that the moisture-absorbing properties of these kits are adversely affecting their on-field performances.
Sweat-Soaked Shirts
Complaints have arisen within the Villa squad, with players reporting that the Castore shirts quickly become saturated with sweat just minutes into matches and retain moisture throughout the game. This discomfort has left Villa’s stars feeling encumbered by heavy, sweat-soaked shirts, prompting them to voice their concerns to the club.
According to an insider who spoke to The Telegraph, “The players are having to play in soaking wet t-shirts, and it is a problem that needs to be solved. It cannot go on all season. The players look like they’ve jumped in a swimming pool after about 10 minutes.“
A Thorny Issue for Castore
This predicament poses an embarrassing challenge for Castore, as they recently inked a multi-year deal with Villa at the commencement of this season. While Castore is a relative newcomer in the sportswear industry, they also supply kits to other Premier League clubs such as Wolves and Newcastle, as well as the SPL side Rangers. Additionally, they have secured agreements with the England cricket team and the renowned tennis player Sir Andy Murray.
Notably, there is no evidence to suggest that these other clubs face similar issues with Castore kits as Aston Villa does.
Evident Moisture Woes
The issue of excessive moisture retention in the shirts became particularly conspicuous during Aston Villa’s recent trip to Poland for a Europa Conference League clash with Legia Warsaw. Players were visibly drenched in sweat during the game, which ultimately ended in a 3-2 defeat for Unai Emery’s side. Consequently, the problems with the shirts are now being taken more seriously.
Seeking Swift Solutions
The club is well aware of the problem and has already initiated discussions with Castore to find an immediate solution. This issue is being viewed as a performance-related concern that demands prompt rectification.
Despite these concerns about their current jerseys, Aston Villa managed to secure a significant victory against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Sunday. As they prepare to host Brighton this weekend, they hope that the shirt-related issues won’t hinder their future performances. The quest for comfortable and performance-enhancing attire continues for Villa’s players.
